Dr. Gary Banfield, DDS

Dr. Gary Banfield, DDS is a Preventive Dentistry practitioner dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Preventive Dental care. He practices at his clinic in Gainesville, FL, and is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). His commitment to preventive health extends beyond the immediate oral cavity; General Preventive Dentistry serves as your primary partner in lifelong oral health, creating personalized plans to prevent cavities and gum disease, coordinating necessary screenings, and managing your overall wellness to ensure optimal oral and systemic health. He is committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. Dr. Gary DDS is accepting new patients of all ages and can be reached at (352) 375-6116 to schedule an appointment.

Dr. Gary Banfield, DDS is a dentistry practitioner in Gainesville, FL, specializing in preventive dentistry. His focus on prevention emphasizes creating personalized plans to maintain optimal oral and systemic health. He prioritizes the well-being of patients of all ages, recognizing the importance of proactive care in preventing future dental issues. Dr. Gary DDS is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. He is committed to providing the highest quality care within a supportive environment that empowers patients. Dr. Gary DDS provides consultations primarily in English.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Gary DDS is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on proactive strategies to protect and enhance your long-term health.

By working together, you and Dr. Gary DDS can create a clear, actionable plan to address your unique risk factors and health goals.

A proactive approach to health involves understanding and managing potential risks. Dr. Gary DDS provides expert care for a range of conditions, focusing on early detection and effective management to support your long-term wellness. Common areas of focus include:

• Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorder: Protecting your jaw joint from TMJ disorder involves understanding risk factors like teeth grinding and stress, and seeking help from your dentist to prevent painful flare-ups and lasting damage.
• Congenital Nasal Deformity: Addressing a congenital nasal deformity early can prevent later difficulties in orthodontic treatment or other dental procedures related to facial structure.
• Chipped Tooth: Addressing a chipped tooth promptly minimizes the chance of the chip worsening, possibly leading to a more complex and costly repair later on.
• Glossitis: Glossitis is an inflammation of your tongue that can be a sign of nutritional deficiencies or other underlying health issues, making regular checkups with your dentist crucial for early detection and prevention of complications.
• Oral Lichenoid Lesions: Managing oral lichenoid lesions proactively is crucial for preserving your overall oral health; regular dental visits enable your dentist to monitor these lesions and address any issues before they escalate.
• Jaw Bone Tissue Deterioration: Early intervention is key to managing jawbone deterioration; addressing gum disease and other oral health issues promptly can help preserve your jawbone's integrity.
• Candidiasis of Mouth: Practicing preventive oral care, such as regular brushing and flossing, reduces your risk of developing candidiasis, a common but treatable infection.

This list highlights some common health concerns and is for informational purposes only. The best way to understand your personal health and create a prevention plan is to schedule a consultation. Accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plans are developed based on individual patient evaluations.

Taking proactive steps is central to long-term health. Dr. Gary DDS offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Replacing a Single Tooth: Proactively replacing a missing tooth helps avoid more extensive and costly dental work down the line, safeguarding your investment in oral health.
• Restorative Procedure: By fixing damaged teeth, restorative procedures preserve your natural teeth, enhancing chewing function and improving your overall oral health.
• Enamel Matrix Derivative Application: Take charge of your oral health with Enamel Matrix Derivative application; it's a preventative measure to rebuild enamel and protect against future tooth decay.
• Orthotic Treatment: Orthotic treatment, like Invisalign or braces, helps straighten your teeth to prevent future dental problems and improve your overall oral health.
• Nobel Teeth in an Hour™: Protect your smile and overall health with a convenient screening designed to detect and address potential dental concerns before they become major problems.
• Light Activated Teeth Whitening: Brighten your smile and boost your confidence with light-activated teeth whitening, a simple procedure that improves your appearance and contributes to a more positive self-image.
• Root Planing: As a proactive step in maintaining strong teeth and healthy gums, root planing targets the areas beneath the gum line where bacteria causing gum disease can thrive.

Service availability can change, and not all services listed may be appropriate for every patient. For a comprehensive understanding of all available services and to create your personalized screening plan, please schedule a consultation.

All medical services are provided in accordance with the standard scope of practice for Preventive Dentistry Services in Florida.

Dr. Gary DDS is dedicated to partnering with Dental Caregivers to achieve their unique health objectives. The following examples illustrate how a proactive approach can make a tangible difference in a Patient's life:

• By addressing teeth grinding habits and stress management techniques, a patient experienced a significant reduction in TMJ disorder symptoms, promoting lasting jaw joint health and a more comfortable daily life.
• By addressing a congenital nasal deformity early, a family experienced peace of mind knowing potential future orthodontic challenges were proactively managed, ensuring a smoother path to optimal oral health.
• By scheduling regular dental checkups, a patient proactively addressed a minor chipped tooth, preventing further damage and ensuring a less expensive repair. This proactive approach provided the patient with peace of mind about their oral health.

These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results may vary and depend on many factors specific to each patient. He will work with you to define and achieve your personal health goals.

Here are answers to some common questions about proactive Preventive Dental care with Dr. Gary DDS:

How often should I visit the dentist for a check-up and cleaning?

Dr. Gary DDS recommends visiting every six months for a check-up and cleaning. This helps remove tartar buildup, catch cavities early, and screen for gum disease and oral cancer.

Why are routine dental cleanings so important for prevention?

Even with excellent brushing and flossing, plaque can harden into tartar (calculus) that only a professional cleaning can remove. This is crucial for preventing cavities and, more importantly, gum disease, which has links to other health problems like heart disease.

How is oral health connected to my overall health?

Your oral health is intrinsically linked to your overall well-being. Chronic gum inflammation, or periodontitis, has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and poorly controlled diabetes. Preventive dental care is therefore essential for maintaining optimal health throughout your body.

What is the difference between gingivitis and periodontitis?

Gingivitis is an early, reversible stage of gum disease, characterized by red, swollen gums that may bleed easily. If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, a more serious stage where the bone supporting your teeth is damaged, potentially leading to tooth loss.

What is TMJ disorder?

Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) disorder is a condition affecting the jaw joint and the muscles that control jaw movement. Common symptoms include jaw pain, clicking or popping sounds, and headaches. Dr. Gary DDS can help diagnose the issue and recommend treatments, such as a custom nightguard, to prevent damage from grinding.

Can you help with snoring or sleep apnea?

Dr. Gary DDS can help some patients with mild to moderate sleep apnea. We can create a custom-fitted oral appliance to keep your airway open while you sleep, offering a comfortable alternative to CPAP for eligible patients. Please schedule a consultation to discuss if this option is right for you.

What are dental implants?

Dental implants are the modern gold standard for replacing missing teeth. They are titanium posts that act like artificial tooth roots, which are then topped with a natural-looking crown. This helps prevent bone loss and preserves the health of adjacent teeth.

When should my child first see a dentist?

Dr. Gary DDS recommends a child's first dental visit within six months of their first tooth erupting, or by their first birthday. This early visit is crucial for ensuring proper tooth development and establishing a positive dental home for future care.

5347 SW 91st Ter # B
Gainesville FL 32608
Phone: (352) 375-6116

Dr. Gary Banfield, DDS is regulated by the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice) in Florida and is licensed by The Florida Board of Medicine.

National Provider Identifier (NPI): 1407949522

Registration can typically be verified through The Florida Board of Medicine website or by direct inquiry.

The information on this profile, provided by weprevent.org, is for general informational purposes and to help you connect with preventive health partners. It does not constitute direct medical advice from the physician named. Preventive Dentistry Services like Dr. Gary DDS are skilled in helping patients create proactive health plans. For urgent or life-threatening emergencies, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department. It is always recommended to maintain open communication with your preventive dentistry about all aspects of your health and your personalized prevention plan.